Matthew5:9 — Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

A few years ago I studied the gospel of Matthew in some depth and today I was reminded of the Beatitudes — the part of the sermon on the mount where Jesus talks of things that bring blessings.

One of the sweetest things about my and Myra’s marriage is the way we get to spend time talking on Saturday morning — about issues we need to deal with, or Bible passages, or just general topics that either one of us might be bothered about. Today we turned to the question of conflict. Why is it that so many people — good people — just can’t get along?

Here’s what I believe. There are some people in this world who really intend malice, intend to cause trouble — but not so many as would explain the amount of falling out that happens. Most people are trying to do the best they can for themselves and their families, just like I am for me and Myra. The trouble is that people disagree about what the “best” really is — and even when they agree about the ends, they often disagree about the means.

In the end, I think it’s all about peacemakers … the people who work to reduce the conflict in daily life.

The Beatitudes tell us some important things about how God looks at the world. First, they show who God approves of — not the rich, the strong, or the powerful, but the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemaker, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. 

Second, the Beatitudes provide encouragement for those who may not be rich, strong or powerful, but who do fall into one of the “blessed” groups. Thirdly, the Beatitudes tell us the kind of people Jesus is looking for to form His church. Lastly, they are yet another expansion of God’s covenant with His people.

Peacemakers, then, are a vital part of Christ’s church. What it is it that they do that is so important? Some people think they are concerned with peace in its widest sense — the general wellbeing of the world. It seems to me that that would be to grand of an idea. The Beatitudes are not for the great ones of the world … Then there are those that think the peacemakers are those who have resolved their own internal battle between good and evil — and so are at peace. This seems to be too little of an idea. It seems such people would be lovers of peace more than makers of peace, and not concerned — as Jesus was — with others. I think it’s simpler — the peacemakers are those who work for reconciliation. The work of reconciliation that is so important I think, is not between countries, or armies — it’s the daily work of rebuilding broken relationships between families, friends and neighbors. It’s about dealing with the problem I was talking about at the start of this piece.

The peacemakers shall be called “the children of God”. But aren’t we all God’s children? Well yes, but the phrase means something more here — it’s an idea that would be familiar to Jews. “The children of” suggests “those who do similar things to”. Reconciliation — peacemaking — is the great work of God. It is a wonderful thought — work on making peace in small things, and you are part of God’s great work!